The Petition of supporters of the National Federation of Gypsy Liaison Groups,
Declares that the Petitioners believe that the present definition of “Gypsy Status” in the context of planning law puts Gypsy women who act as carers for their family or who are widowed or divorced in an unequal position; declares that the Petitioners believe that recent case-law shows that this is an increasing issue; declares that the Petitioners believe that the present definition is not a fair or equal one under the Equality Act 2010 and declares that in light of the drafting of the new National Planning Policy Framework and the new Planning Policy Statement, this is an ideal time to look at this issue.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, together with the Equalities Minister, to urgently discuss the definition of “Gypsy” status for the purposes of planning law with, among others, representatives of Romany Gypsies and English, Scots, Welsh and Irish Travellers.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Rory Stewart .]